Mean Mary

Woman Creature: Portrait Of A Woman, Part 2

Woodrock, 2024

9/10

Listen to Woman Creature: Portrait Of A Woman, Part 2

A multi-instrumentalist who recorded her first record at age 6, after all these years the artist Mean Mary is still penning her own brand of Americana, as evidenced by these 10 diverse songs.

“Revenge” starts the listen soft and cozy, where Mary’s expressive voice is met with gentle guitar, fluid percussive ideas and builds into a powerful climate, and “Woman Creature” follows with howling and flowing banjo that illuminates the vivid storytelling.

Halfway through, “Tarzan” balances soft moments with swift bouts for the theatric delivery, while “Mr. What A Catch I Am” is full of bright singing and dreamy moments that allows for Mary’s range to shine.

Further still, “Frozen Strings” touches on the blues via the spirited guitar and distinct mood that’s poetic, and “Bring Down The Rain” places more emphasis on drumming alongside Mary’s unique voice, well timed backing vocals and strategic strings.

Mary has lived an unconventional and sometimes tragic life that included a car accident that nearly left her unable to sing. Due to her perseverance, she reclaimed her voice, and there’s many really fun Youtube videos to accompany these timeless, empowering tracks.

Travels well with: The Barefoot Movement- Pressing Onward; Lara Price- Half & Half

Jimmy Carpenter

Just Got Started

Gulf Coast, 2024

9/10

Listen to Just Got Started

The sax player and vocalist Jimmy Carpenter brings his timeless blues ways to these 12 songs that recruit Christoffer ‘Kid’ Andersen, Jim Pugh and Derrick D’mar Martin, plus many guests.

The rich energy of the title track starts the listen with Carpenter’s smooth pipes alongside Jerry Jemmott’s playful bass and radiant sax, and “My Babe” follows with Mike Galisatus’ animated trumpet and Jack Sanford’s bright bari sax that illuminates the soaring delivery.

In the middle, the intimate spirit of “Shining Star” benefits much from Andersen’s cozy organ and plenty of emotive backing vocals, while “Keep On Stepping” brings back the horns and no lack of grooves to the upbeat album highlight that makes great use of Martin’s meticulous drumming.

Closer to the end, the bouncy fun of “Leap Of Faith” recruits Lisa ‘Little Baby’ Andersen’s powerful pipes to the dance floor ready mood, and “Midnight Blue” exits with Jim Pugh’s warm keys complementing Carpenter’s heartfelt sax for the dynamic and textured finish.

An excellent mashing of blues, soul, funk and rock, Carpenter and his company excel in full and tender moments, and it makes every track present worth repeated visits.

Travels well with: Duke Robillard- Roll With Me; Brock Davis- Everyday Miracle

Ed Neumeister Quartet

Covers

Meistero, 2024

8/10

Listen to Covers

The trombone extraordinaire Ed Neumeister brings along Gary Versace, Drew Gress and Tom Rainey, plus others for these 10 playful covers.

“Rocky Raccoon” begins the listen with Gress’ playfully plucked bass alongside Neumeister’s bright brass and Versace’s lively keys, and “Try A Little Tenderness” follows with Rainey’s skilled drumming illuminating the adventurous delivery.

Halfway through, “Dear Prudence” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace via the dreamy keys and soulful trombone, while “With A Little Help From My Friends” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the dynamic rhythm section and Neumeister’s radiant horn.

Closer to the end, “Okay For Now” is a stylish moment that showcases Neumeister’s inimitable trombone prowess, and “Stairway To Heaven” exits with Cameron Brown handling bass for the very unique version of a classic that benefits much from this fresh coat of jazz paint.

An effort of fun songs that influenced Neumeister’s youth, there’s plenty of melody and exploration to be appreciated here.

Travels well with: Ed Neumeister- Explorations; Anat Cohen- Quartetinho: Bloom

Sarah Pierce

Blessed By The West

Berkalin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Blessed By The West

The esteemed artist Sarah Pierce shares with us her love of the west, where these 13 vignettes embrace her unique alto voice and genuine country sound.

“I Wanna Go Home” starts the listen with cozy acoustic guitar and Pierce’s eloquent pipes alongside stirring strings, and “The Cowboy Way” follows with vivid storytelling surrounding the pretty singing and light guitar.

Deeper into the listen, “I Fly Our Flag” makes great use of harmonica and gentle drumming amid the expressive vocals, while “The Messenger” is a flawless and harmonic roosty display of gorgeous song craft that discusses strong women breaking the rules.

Arriving near the end, “White Dog Revenge” isn’t short on melody and soulful backing vocals, and “Dream As Big As Texas” exits with a frisky energy of playful country nods and radiant pedal steel.

An Illinois native who was raised in Texas, Pierce knows her way around a heartfelt and authentic song you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All; Nichole Wagner- Plastic Flowers

Heather Pierson

Back To The Light

Vessel, 2024

9/10

Listen to Back To The Light

The multi-instrumentalist Heather Pierson is joined by Shawn Nadeau, Craig Bryan and Leah Boyd for these 7 songs that were recorded in 2023 but shelved, plus a more recent tune that takes us on a trip from New Orleans through the lush landscape of Appalachia.

The warm and playful piano of “Dusty House Blues” starts and spotlights Pierson’s incredible voice that sounds right at home in the Big Easy, and “Up Here In The Mountains” follows with Bryan’s skilled drums complementing Pierson’s graceful keys and distinct pipes.

In the middle is where “Nails Trimmed And Clean” and “Perspective” reside. The former uses Nadeau’s lively bass amid the soulful singing, while the latter comes with melody and relatable wordplay that’s wise.

Deeper still, Boyd’s cozy backing vocals across “Back To The Light” adds much to the intimacy, and “Gutter”, the only song not recorded in 2023, has Pierson playing banjo for the bluegrass influenced finish that carries a nostalgic mood.

It’s a good thing that Pierson revisited these recordings and released them, cause her diverse brand of Americana is smart, vintage friendly and executed with a spontaneous, feel good quality.

Travels well with: Carolyn Shulman- Heart On A Wire; Ashley E. Norton- Call Of The Void

Phil Alvin

County Fair 2000

Liberation Hall, 2024

10/10

Listen to County Fair 2000

Best known as the front man for the seminal outfit The Blasters, this sophomore solo album from Phil Alvin arrived in 1994 and draws from a large pool of influences via the ‘20s to the ‘40s.

The crisp and upbeat “County Fair” opens the listen with James Intveld’s intricate guitar and Jerry Angel’s raw drumming adding much to the retro climate, and “Wreck Your V-8 Ford” follows with Billy Boy Arnold’s raw voice and harp making for swampy, bluesy flavor.

Deeper into the 16 tracks, “Starlight” is just Alvin’s distinct voice and light instrumentation that emits a unique folk quality, while “What’s The Reason I’m Not Pleasin’ You” recruits Bob Ringwald’s animated keys, Jim Maihack’s well timed tuba and trombone and John Bainbridge’s reed prowess for the old time dynamics.

Deeper yet, the groove filled “Oh, Doctor”, the best track, showcases Cesar Rosas’ rhythmic guitar and Ken Sara’s meticulous drumming, and “Ankh/Didn’t He Ramble” exits with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band in attendance for the hazy, jazz spirited finish that turns into a festive bout.

Alvin stated that the album was "American minstrel music", and the American blues, jazz, R&B, gospel, ragtime and doo-wop moments only add more appeal to this timeless record that’s thankfully back in print and on vinyl for the first time.

Travels well with: The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters; APB- Cure For The Blues

Anat Cohen

Quartetinho: Bloom

Anzic, 2024

9/10

Listen to Quartetinho: Bloom

The Grammy nominated Anat Cohen returns with her clarinet for 7 originals and 1 interpretation that brings along Vitor Goncalves, Tal Mashiach and James Shipp.

“The Night Owl” gets the listen off to a playful start, where Cohen’s lively wind is complemented by Goncalves’ bright keys, and “Paco Paco” follows with Mashiach’s warm guitar amid the hand clapping and rich clarinet.

Thelonious Monk’s “Trinkle Tinkle” is a particularly fun moment, as upbeat keys and clarinet are met with Shipp’s animated vibraphone, while “Coco Rococo” emits frisky bass from Mashiach alongside adventurous percussion and well timed bouts from Cohen.

Further yet, “Superheroes In The Gig Economy (From Gletscher)” is an intimate moment where Cohen’s skills tug on the heartstrings and Goncalves handles accordion, and “Friends In Every Manner Of Conveyance” exits with a rich haze of eloquent clarinet and tender percussion.

Certainly rooted in jazz but not without chamber ideas, too, Cohen and company excel in swing moments just as they do introspection for a creative and free-spirited affair.

Travels well with: Anat Cohen- Quartetinho; Michael Sarian- Live At Cliff Bell’s

Chad McCullough

in these hills, beyond

Calligram, 2024

9/10

Listen to in these hills, beyond

The trumpeter and composer Chad McCullough is joined by Bram Weijters, Dave Miller, John Christensen and Kobie Watkins for this celebration of life that’s documented across 2 nights of shows in Madison, Wisconsin in 2023.

“Fellowship” opens with Weijters’s mesmerizing keys and Watkins' frisky drumming that resonate with mystery and warmth, and “Imaginary Folk Song” follows with the intimate keys complemented by soulful brass and bouts of lively drums that balances soft and loud bursts.

In the middle we’re treated to “Balance Wheel” and “Handwritten”. The former benefits much from McCullough’s poetic trumpet and Christensen’s agile bass, while the latter is an animated moment of playfully plucked bass, careful brass and much ambience.

Residing close to the end, “Detour” builds into a rich album highlight that’s a bit dreamy and showcases Miller’s fluid guitar, and “Forgotten Dreams” exits with a timeless flavor, where all of the player’s emit their inimitable talents in spades.

The sound quality here is excellent and the songs are, too. There’s much diversity present, as Americana, country, blues and rock ideas all enter these first rate jazz selections.

Travels well with: Geof Bradfield- Colossal Abundance; Kenny Reichert- Switch

Neale Eckstein

Never Too Late

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Never Too Late

The Boston singer-songwriter Neale Eckstein may have gotten a late start on making music, but the 75 year old is making up for lost time with this well thought out, first solo album.

“Masterpiece” starts the listen with much warmth, where Eckstein’s cozy voice and gentle acoustic guitar is met with Jagoda’s fluid drumming via the heartfelt Americana, and “One Month Crazier” follows with Eric Schwartz’s skilled bass and Matt Nakoa’s well timed keys illuminating the expressive storytelling.

Further along, “Devil’s Gate” welcomes Jackie Damsky’s meticulous violin to the diverse landscape, while “Whisper In The Dawn” benefits much from Craig Akin’s soft bass that complements Eckstein’s intimate vocals.

Deeper yet, “Fall From Grace” places Annie Sandoli on violin, as Eckstein handles synth, too, for the rich album highlight, and “Messy Bed” exits with a minimal climate that showcases tender song craft that’s emotive and possesses much beauty.

There’s a wealth of instruments present, including mandolin, Veillette Gryphon, and cello, and the large number of guests makes each track radiate in its own light for the folk, Americana, orchestral and chamber hybrid.

Travels well with: Carolyn Shulman- Heart On A Wire; Don Merckle- Same Devil New Skin

Eureka Shoes

Beautalina

Adhyaropa, 2024

10/10

Listen to Beautalina

This first album from the acoustic quartet Eureka Shoes brings us plenty of harmonies, texturing and top notch songwriting thanks to Charlie Burnham, Jean Rohe, Skye Soto Steele and Rashaan Carter and a few guests.

“Don’t Ask” opens with guest Marika Hughes atmospheric cello alongside Rohe’s warm guitar for the rich delivery, and “I Wanna Be” follows with melodic folk qualities, plus Rohe’s expressive pipes that emit much beauty.

Deeper into the listen, “Go Easy” blends stirring violin with the poetic guitar playing and intimate singing, while “Everyone Is Dying” welcomes Burnham’s voice to the duet that showcases Steele’s guitar playing.

Further still, “Moonlight” makes great use of Carter’s contrabass amid the powerful singing, and “Barn Hymn” exits with guests Kyle Sanna’s guitar and Willa Folmar’s voice adding much grace to the gentle, stirring finish that would suit a campfire.

If artists like Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, and CSNY are in your rotation or you have an interest in folk music from any era, you’re really going to appreciate this gorgeous and enlightening record.

Travels well with: Jacob Jolliff- Instrumentals Vol. 2: Mandolin Mysteries; Nate Sabat- Bass Fiddler

Carolyn Shulman

Heart On A Wire

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Heart On A Wire

The Denver artist Carolyn Shulman returns with a sophomore album, where 10 sincere songs unfold with character focused narratives, social issues and an emotional backdrop that is much appreciated.

The warm title track opens with Eric Moon’s mature keys that align with Shulman’s heartfelt singing in the gentle delivery, and “Bolt Out Of The Blue” follows with Christian Teele’s light drumming complementing Jen Hitt’s well timed backing vocals and the vivid storytelling.

In the middle, “Call My Heart Home” uses Shulman’s intimate acoustic guitar and Enion Pelta-Tiller’s cozy strings via the dreamy mood, while “No Sad Songs” recruits Glenn Taylor’s hazy pedal steel amid the pretty singing from Shulman.

“Little Reprieve” and “Eye To Eye” exit the listen. The former is an upbeat and playful moment that makes great use of Eben Grace’s spirited electric guitar, and the latter uses timeless and melodic Americana to leave an indelible impression.

A really skilled effort that takes inspiration from Patty Griffin and Susan Gibson, Shulman’s blend of folk, pop, roots, bluegrass and Americana makes for a powerful, relatable and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Nichole Wagner- Plastic Flowers; Ashley E. Norton- Call Of The Void

Emmet Cohen

Vibe Provider

Mack Avenue, 2024

8/10

Listen to Vibe Provider

The inimitable pianist Emmet Cohen pays tribute to his friend and NYC jazz luminary, Funmi Ononaiye, where the 9 tracks recruit some excellent help.

“Lion Song” starts the listen with Cohen’s flowing keys alongside Kyle Poole’s frisky drumming that suits the animated climate, and “Surrey With The Fringe On Top” follows with Norris’ strategic bass amid the crisp drums and radiant keys.

Halfway through, “Unblock The Love” spotlights Tivon Pennicott’s soulful sax and Bruce Harris’ rich trumpet for the album’s best, while “If This Isn’t Love” benefits much from swift bass plucking and acrobatics keys in its mesmerizing delivery.

Arriving near the end, “Time On My Hands” emits much intimacy via the dreamy piano and rich rhythm section, and “Emmet’s Blues” exits with an upbeat and colorful finish that showcases Frank Lacy’s trombone and Joe Farnsworth’s drumming.

A tremendous memorial for Ononaiye, the blues and jazz mix here with no lack of swingin’ fun and calmer introspection that illuminates a life well lived by the Vibe Provider, who wisely said ‘Tamp down the fear. Unblock the love’.

Travels well with: Marc Copland- Someday; Kenny Barron- The Source

Don Merckle

Same Devil New Skin

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Same Devil New Skin

This 4th album from the South Carolina songwriter Don Merckle is presented as a whole rather than individual tracks, and he’s got a lot of help for the cinematic and heartfelt delivery.

Merckle’s bright voice and lively finger snapping opens the listen with “Covered In Dirt”, as Evan Simmons’ animated drums enter alongside Mark Rapp’s soaring trumpet, and “Die In The Country” follows with a softer mood via the descriptive storytelling and soulful backing vocals.

The middle tracks belong to “Monster In These Hills” and “Same Devil New Skin”. The former comes with beats and a light buzzing with much emphasis on atmosphere, while the latter benefits from Zach Bingham’s intricate guitar and Moses Andrews III’s keys for the flowing, rootsy flavor.

Residing near the end, “Murders In This Town”, the album’s best, is a thoughtful, folk-influenced moment that emits a distinct dreaminess and plenty of warmth amid mesmerizing electric guitar, and “The Devil Showed Me His Hand” exits with intimacy, Chris Bussell’s well timed sax and a rich collaboration between the many players present.

Somewhat of a ‘folk-horror record’, Merckle’s vision embraces plenty of American Music traditions, where a rock’n’roll spirit is at the core of this unique and memorable effort.

Travels well with: Nichole Wagner- Plastic Flowers; Emily Hicks- Weird Wild Wonderful

Jack Wood & Nichaud Fitzgibbon

Movie Magic: Great Songs From The Movies

Jazz Hang, 2024

8/10

Listen to Movie Magic: Great Songs From The Movies

The vocalists Jack Wood and Nichaud Fitzgibbon come together for 16 tracks most of us have heard before, and they’ve got an all star cast with them for the heartfelt selections.

The cozy “Make Someone Happy” starts the listen with Fitzgibbon’s lovely voice alongside Wood’s smooth pipes, where Ray Smith’s dreamy flute enters, and it isn’t long until “Speaking Of Happiness” welcomes James Sherlock’s agile guitar and Dave Beck’s well timed drums that suit Fitzgibbon’s soulful pipes.

Moving closer to the middle, the peppy “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” benefits much from Matt Clohesy’s playful bass and Mark Fitzgibbon’s lively keys, while the gorgeous rendition of “Moon River” emits much elegance via Sara Bauman’s graceful violin and Fitzgibbon’s powerful pipes.

Arriving near the end, “The Shining Sea” makes great use of Craig Larson’s mature piano, as Wood’s expressive voice impresses, and “It Had To Be You” exits with Jay Lawrence’s light drums and Joe Lano’s intimate guitar for the sublime duet.

These songs sure do sound great in Wood and Fitzgibbon’s hands, and the beauty and nostalgia they radiate in both ballad and swimming settings is as memorable as the movies they soundtrack themselves.

Travels well with: Matt Panayides Trio- With Eyes Closed; Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library

Naomi Moon Siegel

Shatter The Glass

Slow & Steady, 2024

8/10

Listen to Shatter The Glass

The Montana artist Naomi Moon Siegl is joined by Ray Larsen, Marina Albero, Andy Coe, Kelsey Mines and Christopher Icasiano for this 3rd album of songs that follow her transition to small town life in Missoula.

“The Adventures Of Violet & Pilot” opens the listen with Mines’ atmospheric bass and Albero’s lively keys that help cultivate a thoughtful climate, and “Sabotage” follows with a frisky and upbeat jazz energy that benefits from Larsen’s animated trumpet and Siegel’s well timed trombone.

In the middle, the softer mood of “Future Light” radiates much warmth via the soulful brass, while “I. Holding All The Broken Pieces” comes with ambience and adventurousness that showcases Coe’s spirited guitar.

Residing close to the end, “Breath Out (Interlude)” radiates mysteriousness from the keys in the short delivery, and “III. Shatter It” exits with intimate horns that welcome Icasiano’s agile drumming to the rich and colorful finish.

A record that spans emotional highs and lows, there’s much creativity and improvisation to be appreciated across the folk, jazz and experimental hybrid.

Travels well with: Vijay Iyer- Trouble; Meg Okura & Kevin Hays- Lingering

Rachel Yonan

Kiss On Wood

Sono Luminus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Kiss On Wood

The viola wizard Rachel Yonan is joined by Kwan Yi’s superb piano playing for these 4 selections from Arvo Pärt, Sir James MacMillan and Robert Schumann that explores the metaphor of light and darkness.

Pärt’s “Fratres” gets the listen off to a rich and meticulous start, where Yonan’s intricate strings are met with dense keys that balance intimacy and exploration, and the title track follows with careful string manipulation amid the firm keys that populate the MacMillan piece.

Schumann’s contributions arrive late, where the 4 segments of “Märchenbilder, Op. 113” emit bright melodies and colorful interaction between the piano and viola, while Pärt returns for the final track, as “Spiegel im Spiegel” graces us with intimacy and a dreaminess that embraces a stirring beauty of gorgeous, timeless viola and twinkling keys.

An eloquent effort that touches on minimalism, contrasting positions and bouts of spiritual ideas, Yonan recruits emotional moments, melancholy and colorful dynamics to a diverse and memorable record.

Travels well with: Sean Hickey- Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind; Gerald Cohen- Steal For A Pencil For Me

Thea Farhadian

Tattoos And Other Markings

Other Minds, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tattoos And Other Markings

A composer and performer who is well versed with the violin and live electronic processing, Thea Farhadian fleshes out 4 involved tracks that surround the idea of memory and embrace worldly and classical ideas.

“Mokats Mirza” opens the listen with warm, sonic ideas that embraces glitchy bouts and plenty of mystery for its 12+ minutes, and “Eulogy” follows with no lack of sci-fi qualities that unfold with strategic repetition and an oddly soothing delivery.

The back half brings us “Inscriptions” and “There Was And There Was Not”. The former emits a distinct ambience of distant rumbling and insect like hissing, while the latter and best tune is quite jarring, unpredictable and nearly mechanical.

An effort that questions what we remember, forget and that which defines us, Farhadian’s vision is nothing short of captivating, as evidenced by this highly iconoclastic body of work.

Travels well with: Michael Mizrahi- Dreamspace; Anthony Joseph Lanman- Hommages

Anthony Joseph Lanman

Hommages

Meyer, 2025

9/10

Listen to Hommages

The inimitable composer Anthony Joseph Lanman takes help from Holly Roadfeldt’s piano for these selections that touch on a variety of subjects including Hildegard of Bingen, Frank Zappa,
Kehinde Wiley, Gary Gygax, Nadia Boulanger, Akira Kurasowa, Eddie Van Halen, Michio Kaku, Neil Peart, John Dowland, Tony Kushner, Jackson Pollock, and more

“Hommage A Hildegard of Bingen” starts the listen with gentle keys that radiate much intimacy and wonder in the very capable hands, and it isn’t long until “Hommage A Jackson Pollock” injects a swirling aspect to the mesmerizing keys.

Closer to the middle, “Hommage A Michio Kaku” is full of ambience and colorful progressions that are both animated and reserved, while “Hommage A Gary Gygax” offers firm gestures of cinematic qualities that emit exciting ideas for the album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Hommage A Frank Zappa” is about as unconventional as Zappa himself, where turbulent keys flow with precision and adventurousness, and “Hommage A Hayao Miyazaki” exits with a percussive angle amid the dense and frisky finger acrobatics.

An extremely accomplished listen that recruits no lack of melodies, the click of a metronome and looper pedal manipulation, Lanman and Roadfeldt make each track present artistic, sonically intriguing and atypical in the best ways.

Travels well with: Sean Hickey- Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind; Chelsea Hollow- Cycles Of Resistance

Sean Hickey/Vladimir Rumyantsev

Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind

Sono Luminus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind

The pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev and composer Sean Hickey come together for this thoughtful listen that was inspired by the critically-acclaimed and best-selling book, Sapiens, by Yuval Noah Harari.

“Pre-History” opens the listen with emphasis on atmosphere, where the keys enter amid mystery for the eloquent execution, and “Lascaux” follows with soft and pretty patterns that resonate tremendous skill that builds into dramatic swells.

The middle tracks belong to “Jericho” and “Mean Temperament”. The former rumbles in a lower register that’s curious and imaginative, while the latter is a more dense display of Rumyantsev’s inimitable playing that makes for the album’s best.

Residing near the end, “Confirmation Bias” offers an initially light and mesmerizing spirit of complex but accessible song craft, and “Commonwealth” exits with a dreamy ambience of reflective and heartfelt piano prowess.

A highly sincere effort, Hickey pens a musical response to human signposts, concepts, myths or ideas that our existences have dragged along for thousands of years in our quest for humanity, and it makes for an enlightening and powerful experience.

Travels well with: Gerald Cohen- Steal A Pencil For Me; Ryan Townsend Strand- Dear Mrs. Kennedy

Gauche

A People’s History Of Gauche

Merge, 2019

8/10

Listen to A People’s History Of Gauche

Washington D.C. has a long history of thriving punk and hardcore sounds, and these days Gauche, who are six players on this recording, are right at the top of that esteemed list. On their first record with the Merge label, Gauche’s New Wave and post-punk ideas unfold with much unpredictability and creativeness, as themes surround anxiety, capitalism and colonization in their inimitable vision.

“Flash” starts the album bass heavy before a firm groove is found amid plenty of melodic vocals that take nods to the ‘70s, and “Cycles” follows with a peppy, punky version of indie-pop armed with a saxophone.

Elsewhere, “Pay Day” finds the outfit in post-punk territory but far from your typical approach to the genre, and “Surveilled Society” keeps the quirkiness alive on a subdued turned swift setting with plenty of dissonance.

The back half of the album offers the group vocals of “Running”, the pretty singing of “Boom Hazard”, which recruits strategic brass, and the eccentric but oh so charming “History”. “Rectangle” ends the listen with yelping in a busy atmosphere that tosses countless ideas into their powerful formula.

A raw yet meticulous sophomore album, though members of Priests and Downtown Boys help make up Gauche, ultimately A People’s History Of Gauche is its own animal, where an artistic approach infiltrates their cautious and animated qualities that bring to mind The B-52’s if they grew up on mid-period Dischord Records.

Travels well with: The Raincoats- Moving; Q And Not U- No Kill No Beep Beep